Royals 'saddened' by death of nurse

Royals 'saddened' by death of nurse

Royals 'saddened' by death of nurse

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The Duchess of Cambridge was treated at the King Edward VII hospital in London

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the King Edward VII hospital in London where she was treated for severe morning sickness

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have been left "deeply saddened" after the nurse duped by hoax callers enquiring about Kate's health apparently took her own life.

Jacintha Saldanha was pronounced dead at an address near the King Edward VII's Hospital in central London where the pregnant Duchess had been treated for a severe form of morning sickness.

The nurse, reportedly a mother-of-two, was the victim of two Australian radio DJs who impersonated the Queen and the Prince of Wales.

She answered their call and, believing the 2Day FM presenters were members of the Royal Family, put them through to another nurse who described Kate's condition in detail.

In a statement on Friday night, Ms Saldanha's family said: "We as a family are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Jacintha. We would ask that the media respect our privacy at this difficult time."

In the wake of the tragedy the company which runs the radio station said that, by mutual consent, the hosts would not be returning to their show until further notice.

In a statement Southern Cross Austereo said: "Southern Cross Austereo (SCA) and 2Day FM are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha from King Edward VII's Hospital and we extend our deepest sympathies to her family and all that have been affected by this situation around the world.

"Chief executive officer Rhys Holleran has spoken with the presenters. They are both deeply shocked and at this time we have agreed that they will not comment about the circumstances. SCA and the hosts have decided that they will not return to their radio show until further notice out of respect for what can only be described as a tragedy."

A St James's Palace spokesman stressed that the royals had not complained to the hospital about the hoax call.

He added: "On the contrary, we offered our full and heartfelt support to the nurses involved and hospital staff at all times."